Word Origin & History

circulate 1471, as a chemical term for alternating vaporization and condensation, from L. circulatus, pp. of circulare, from circulus (see circle). Meaning "to move around, revolve" is from 1670s; of blood, from 1656; of persons, "to mingle in a social gathering," from 1863. Sense of "to pass about freely" is from 1664; of newspapers from 1885. Related: Circulating (1630s).

Example Sentences for circulated

In the years since, conflicting rumors had circulated about the objects.

Stereographs provided some of the first widely circulated pictures of important events.

During warm weather, heat is sucked out of the building and circulated underground to be cooled before returning to the building.

The first round of readers returned the originals, which were then circulated among a new group that repeated the process.

When a lack of money began to make itself felt, he printed and circulated a paper coinage of his own.

He circulated the story in town with various embellishments.

They have, however, much more to offer than has yet been widely circulated.

Second, dominant groups have disproportionate control over the production and preservation of widely circulated stories.

Tales and photos of these enormous, fierce-looking fish are widely circulated-and sometimes dismissed as hoaxes.

Placing a portable fan in the window to draw out old air helps keep air fresh and well-circulated.